Sydney, glitter up and get your queer on – WorldPride 2023 is coming to town!
Never mind La Nina! Sydney is set for a sizzling hot summer when WorldPride 2023 combines with Mardi Gras for a mega celebration. With the theme of Gather, Dream, Amplify, this will be the first truly global LGBTQIA+ pride festival in the Southern Hemisphere. In partnership with our First Nations community, it also acknowledges the traditional custodians of Australia and highlights the importance of equality and inclusion.
The festivities begin on 17 February and continue through to 5 March 2023.
Among the overflow of fabulousity, here are some dates to mark in your diary:
Mardi Gras Fair Day – Sunday, February 19
As always, Victoria Park adjoining Sydney University kicks off the Mardi Gras festivities with the all-day, all-inclusive, dog-friendly Fair Day. For many, this free event is their favourite on the MG calendar. Wander through the stalls, roll out a picnic blanket and hang out with friends and family or simply enjoy people-watching. As the sun sets, a corner of the park usually becomes a throbbing outdoor dance party. The bars and pubs in nearby Newtown and Erskineville start heaving with fair-goers from the early afternoon, especially the Newtown, Bank and Imperial Hotels.
Mardi Gras Paradiso Pool Party – Monday, February 20
Head to the iconic Ivy Pool Club to flirt, dance and frolic with locals and tourists, cocktail in hand.
Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts): The First Nations Gathering Space – Thursday, February 23 – Tuesday, February 28
Carriageworks comes alive with everyone welcome to experience First Nations creativity including free exhibits, theatre, dining and drag. By night, experience Klub Village – a drag, circus, cabaret and dance party celebrating a world of First Nations excellence. Featuring artists from Haus of Kong, Casus, Humxn, Aboriginal Comedy All Stars, House of Alexander, Thicc Shake, Prinnie Stevens and more.
Mardi Gras Parade – Saturday, 25 February
For the first time since 2020, the Parade is coming home to Oxford Street for its 45th anniversary. The street and its surrounds will come alive with 12,500 marchers, 200+ floats and countless spectators.
Mardi Gras Party – Saturday, 25 February
The biggest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ party in the Southern Hemisphere happens all night in the Hordern Pavillion, Liberty Hall, Watson’s and the Entertainment Quarter.
Domain Dance Party – Sunday, 26 February
The best local and international DJs will descend on the open-air surrounds of The Domain for the biggest LGBTQIA+ circuit event Australia has ever seen. As the sun sets, party boys, queer lovelies and circuit house machines will dance themselves into the second week of WorldPride.
Pride March – Sunday, 5 March
50,000 people will partake in a historic march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for global equality, celebrating all that has been achieved while conscious of the work still to be done.
Rainbow Republic – Sunday, 5 March
As 17 days of Sydney WorldPride draw to an end, dance ahead with 19,999 of your new mates. Made for the young (and young at heart), this event features live acts including Muna, G Flip, Peach PRC, Alter Boy, BVT and Vetta Borne.
This is just a small sample of the many events on offer. For a full list of events including theatre, exhibitions, music and conferences visit the Sydney WorldPride 2023 website here.